The Jacob Group consistently ranks in the top 3% firm among independent search firms, with many practices ranking in the top 1%. A key reason for this success is the quality of our practice team leaders. Each has either extensive industry/function expertise on your side of the desk and/or deep experience recruiting within a particular specialty area.

Don’s roots in recruiting began directly out of college with Leonard and Associates. He leveraged those early skills with Oscar Mayer and Pepsi-Cola for 17 years. Don and his family moved 12 times in these 17 years progressing through the ranks of marketing, sales and general management; several at the VP level with Pepsi-Cola.

As founder of The Jacob Group in 1992, Don has built a nationally recognized firm principled around a better way of conducting search. His personal practice was consistently ranked in the top 10 in a network of over 4,000 recruiters. He is a regular speaker at Regional, National and International events, sharing The Jacob Group’s best practices with the search community.

Today as CEO, he leads seven practice teams and personally uses a hands-on approach to assure our client’s satisfaction with the quality and speed of our talent search activities. Don’s wife, Becky, is a partner with him in the business and he enjoys their two children and three grandchildren who all live within a few miles of “The Ranch”.

Becky is one of the founding partners of The Jacob Group established in 1992. As Chief Operating Officer she leads all support groups for the team including the Market Intelligence Group, Fulfillment Team and Administrative Staff. She also manages the Human Resources function for the firm and outside supervision of our financial, legal and technology partners.

Becky is a member of The Board of The Jacob Search Group, LLC and a sitting member of the Marketing Committee and Operations Committee. The excellence she has demonstrated in her role has helped The Jacob Group achieve international recognition as one of the top independent firms.

When given any spare time, Becky loves to travel and relax with family, especially playing swimming instructor to three very active Grandchildren.

Mike brings an extensive background in professional development and executive search to The Jacob Group. He has enjoyed a 20 year career with the firm and over that time has placed 100’s professionals in the restaurant, hospitality and retail industries. Formerly a team leader for Dale Carnegie Centers of Excellence, Mike chairs the training committee and is a member of the Board of Directors for Jacob Search Group LLC. It should be noted that he is recognized as one of the top performers among his peers throughout the world, is a perennial Pacesetter and is a member of the MRI Pacesetter Hall of Fame.

Mike leads a team of Account Executives and Project Managers focused on senior through mid-level executive search for numerous clients in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries. He has developed a team to address virtually any/all functions within the industries he supports including corporate/franchise operations, sales, real estate, human resources, culinary, R&D, marketing, finance, real estate and merchandising. He and his team execute both domestic and international searches.

Mike is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University, with a BA in Business Administration. When he is not working you will find he and his wife in the outdoors cycling, camping or mountain biking. He is also active in his church and is part of a men’s quartet.

George manages all consultants and recruiters who are specifically focused on sales and marketing. In his personal practice he is recognized in the top 1% among his international peers. George has built an extremely successful Marketing and Sales practice across a wide variety of industry segments such as consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, consumer durables, industrial/B to B, and retail. He has worked with large global companies as well as smaller, more entrepreneurial early-stage organizations on key assignments from the professional to the c-suite levels.

George's success as an executive recruiter is due in a large part to his 25+ years of Marketing and Sales experience working for companies such as PepsiCo's Frito-Lay and Tropicana Products Divisions, Keebler Company, and the Stroh Brewery Company. He has senior level experience across Brand/Product Management, Shopper/Customer/Trade Marketing, Marketing Insights, Category Management, and Sales/Business Development. His deep functional knowledge gives George the unique ability to quickly understand his clients' business strategies and talent needs, as well as successfully recruit, qualify, and motivate top-quality potential candidates.

George is a board member of The Jacob Group, LLC and chairs its internal Marketing Committee. George holds a MBA from Michigan State University and a BA - Economics from University of Michigan.

Jerry brings over 30 years of Insurance Industry experience to The Jacob Group. During his career he has worked in multiple states for both carriers and agency/broker operations in various capacities from mid-level support staff to Executive Leadership positions. This provides him the hands-on experience to fully understand the business and the talent needs for both groups at many levels. He leverages specific industry knowledge to deliver positive results for his clients, and is highly motivated to find and place highly qualified candidates.

Jerry and his wife live in Parker, TX and he enjoys spending time with his family - three children, their spouses and his 6 grandchildren. He loves the outdoors and spends most of his free time landscaping and traveling.

Elise joins the firm with over 20 years of experience in the global hotel and resort industry. Just prior to joining The Jacob Group, Elise was Vice President of Human Resources at a privately held hotel development, construction, and management company with a diverse portfolio throughout the United States. She previously held various leadership roles both at corporate and property levels within Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Marriott Vacation Club International.

Elise is a graduate of The University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Russian. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR - awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute), as well as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP, awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management).

Elise and her husband, Michael, have two young daughters who keep them on their toes. Elise is a world traveler, an avid rock climber, and on the rare occasion that she has some free time, she enjoys blog-stalking, gourmet cooking, and playing the piano.

Brian Gilbert is an award winning recruiter with over 25 years in the Corporate Travel arena. He has completed over three hundred searches for industry leaders such as American Express, Orbitz, Travelocity, Travel & Transport, Carlson-Wagonlits, and many more. He works regionally, nationally, and globally with travel management companies and travel technology firms. Brian works on a diverse collection of positions, some of which include: sales, operations, technology, and account management, all at various levels.

Brian employs a proven 24-step streamlined recruitment methodology working with candidates through a comprehensive evaluation that incorporates qualification assessments, reference checks, and behavioral analysis. His thorough approach results in him bringing candidates to the marketplace that have an attitude of excellence.

Several travel companies have given Brian accolades for helping enhance their bottom line by supplying them with talent that has enabled them to generate billions of dollars in new sales. This allows them to retain and grow existing business.

Brian holds the Certified Senior Account Manager designation. CSAMs are recognized leaders at MRI Worldwide and are ranked consistently at the top of their profession. A CSAM is committed to delivering excellence, pursuing continuous professional development and is accustomed to delivering only the highest quality of customer service.

Brian´s favorite quote is: In the words of Don Shula: “Aim for perfection and settle for excellence!”

Nicole brings 20 years of experience in luxury retail in various roles from District Manager to GM, Regional Trainer, and store opening specialist. She has played an integral part in developing brands in new markets for women’s apparel and accessories, luxury children’s, fragrance and skincare, along with specialty foods. Her experience as a hiring manager has given her an exceptional eye for identifying candidates who raise the bar for everyone around them. She believes that passion and drive are essential to creating that “X-Factor” she seeks when looking for top talent.

Originally from New Jersey, then transplanted in Southern California, she now calls Dallas her home. She’s got that east coast, “get-it-done attitude” with an appreciation of the arts and nature.

Lorelei brings to The Jacob Group over 20 years of experience in varied roles within the Restaurant Industry. Prior to The Jacob Group, she has held roles in Operations, New Store Openings, and Purchasing in non-food, as well as food & beverage categories in both privately held and publicly traded companies. Some of these included Brinker International, TGI Friday’s, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Her years in operations and training gave her an eye for quickly identifying talent and drive that match the culture of the company.

Lorelei received her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University, after studying Environmental Science and Mathematics. Her passion for solving impossible problems and analytical nature help her connect a client with just the right talent.

Lorelei is a Texas native, born and bred. Her husband (a Tennessean, Go ‘Vols), son, and daughter keep her busy. When spare time pops up, you’ll find her playing with her rescue dog, cooking, enjoying a glass of wine with friends on a patio, going to a symphony, or watching movies.

Don manages all consultants and recruiters specifically focused on the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Medical Affairs and MSL areas. Don has provided superior search services for clients and enhanced the careers of professionals for over 16 years. He has successfully completed searches from Staff level to C-level nationally/Globally within Quality Assurance and Research & Development.

Prior to joining The Jacob Group in 2010, Don served as CEO for another Search Firm in DFW and as an Executive Recruiter in Physician Search where he received “Search Consultant of The Year” within one of the largest search firms in the nation.

Don is a board member of The Jacob Search Group, LLC and serves on the Culture Committee. In his leisure time, Don enjoys watching and attending sporting events and playing golf. Don resides near “The Ranch” in McKinney, TX. with his wife and two Cocker Spaniels.

Heba brings an extensive scientific background and years of experience in Recruiting to The Jacob Group. She is responsible for expanding the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology practice. As part of the Life Science practice at The Jacob Group, she partners with small to midsize companies as well as large organizations, to assist with bringing in the best talent.

Heba has grown up across multiple continents and has a unique understanding of how to approach and engage people. Her ability to communicate and her technical understanding of the scientific field makes her one of a kind in approaching, identifying and vetting the best talent. She takes great pride in building strong relationships, both with her clients and her candidates. Heba set out early in life to make a difference by helping others through healthcare and science. So, taking part in helping to build teams within the Life Science industry is both, a passion and a privilege.

Heba studied Medicine at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt and earned a degree in Biology from UNT. Her spare time is spent reading, jogging and planning her next vacation.

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” ― Isaac Newton

Mark brings an extensive background in Sales and Sales Management to The Jacob Group. He has enjoyed a 25 year career in the Electronic Component Industry with major companies such as: Molex, FCI, and Amphenol. Mark leverages his significant industry knowledge and talent network to deliver results for his clients.

Mark directs a practice focused on senior management through mid-level executive search to clients in the electronic connector, wire & cable, capacitor, resistor, and power supply industries. He leads a team to address any function within the industries he supports, including: sales management, sales, marketing, product management, and engineering. He and his team have the capability to execute domestic as well as international searches.

Mark is a graduate of St. John’s University, with a B.S. in Psychology. When he is not working to find top talent for his client partners, you will find him and his wife cheering their daughter on at soccer games or visiting their son in college. He is also active in his church and school functions.

Mike brings an extensive background in Supply Chain Management and Operations to The Jacob Group. He has enjoyed a 20 year career in the Food and Beverage Industry.

Prior to joining the Jacob Group Mike held various Leadership positions at Kraft; ConAgra and The Dannon Company. Mike leverages his significant industry knowledge to deliver results for his clients. Prior to his civilian career, Mike served in the US Army as an Infantry Officer.

Mike is a strategic, results focused executive who has been recognized for outstanding leadership, problem solving, and the ability to develop strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve results.

Mike and his wife and 2 sons reside in Frisco TX. In his leisure time, Mike is an avid golfer and enjoys all sporting events.

Dawn joins the firm with over 20 years of sales, marketing, sales management, advertising, and relationship building experience in the publishing industry. Also a published author, she brings a creative approach to her diverse skills in marketing and promotion to the Restaurant/Hospitality/Retail team. She has held various leadership roles for a local non-profit organization, serving on the Advisory Board and promoting their outreach programs as Public Relations Chairperson.

Dawn is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, writing, gardening, reading, and cooking. Dawn resides near McKinney, Texas with her husband and two fabulous rescue animals.

Veronika joined The Jacob Group over 4 years ago starting as a member of the management support team. She quickly grew into roles as a Project Manager and became an integral member of The Market Intelligence Team. As a Project Manager she has developed extensive networks in the industries of Research & Development, Restaurant/Retail, Human Resources, Operations/Manufacturing, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, and Insurance.

In addition, as a member of The Market Intelligence Team, Veronika leverages her advanced training in Internet Research to identify top, often passive, candidates that best align with our clients’ needs. She employs a highly technical approach utilizing complex Boolean search, leveraging social media, and diving well beyond a cursory internet search to surface candidates most would never have found. Veronika’s speed and efficiencies delivers high performing candidates that make a big impact for the companies she works with.

Veronika is a member of the Culture Committee at the firm. In her free time she enjoys watching her son play baseball, volunteering as a board member for her son’s school PTA, watching the Packers or the German soccer team play, and of course shopping for fun handbags and shoes.

Chris started with The Jacob Group in February of 2015 as a Project Manager in the Marketing and Sales practice. Having successfully assisted numerous clients on all levels of their organizations, Chris has proven to be a valuable asset to our firm. As a Project Manager Chris recruits candidates for positions such as Directors of Marketing, Category Managers, Brand Managers, Trade Marketing Managers, and Assistant Brand Managers, as well as many other roles in the Marketing and Sales functions. Previous to The Jacob Group Chris worked full time as a Personnel Trainer for Cheddar’s Casual Café while completing his degree.

Chris has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with an emphasis in Management and Human Resources from Dallas Baptist University. He enjoys spending time with family, playing cards with friends, and is always happy to attend an FC Dallas soccer game.

Matt started with The Jacob Group over nine years ago and quickly grew his role and responsibility with the firm. Matt currently leads a research group that is recognized in helping The Jacob Group with its outstanding reputation with superior talent at industry leading speed.

Before leading the Marketing Intelligence group, Matt has had roles as a Research Associate and member of our Project Fulfillment Team. He also handles all internal technologies including data systems networks and marketing graphics.

Matt is a member of the Operations and Marketing Committees for the firm. In his spare time he is a technology junkie and is grooming his son into a 4th generation Packer fan!

As the Administrative Assistant for The Jacob Group, Jennifer provides superior customer service to our candidates and clients as well as our team of search consultants. Jennifer directs all incoming calls, coordinates room reservations throughout the building, and supports the team with data entry and other administrative tasks.

Jennifer is also a dedicated member of the Market Intelligence Team, helping to update and maintain our talent pool, allowing The Jacob Group to identify and reach high-performing top talent. Jennifer also enjoys being a member of the Culture Committee who recognizes our team with birthdays, individual recognitions, and employee gatherings.

Jennifer attended Sam Houston State University as a Music Education major. In her spare time she enjoys reading, scrap-booking, and singing, and is an active member of her church.

Melinda is a Project Recruiter in our Retail Practice Group. As a Generalist for 10 years with The Jacob Group, she successfully lead fulfillment teams in Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Research & Development, Restaurant/Retail, Hospitality, and Supply Chain/Logistics. Her breadth of experience, proven success, and passion for our industry has made Melinda a valuable asset to our firm.

Melinda started with The Jacob Group as a Research Manager, and then as a Project Manager with our Fulfillment Team, with primary accountability toward retained and multi-hire assignments.

Melinda is an active member of our Market Intelligence Group as well as our Operations Committee. She holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business from The University of Texas at Arlington. In her spare time, Melinda enjoys swimming, reading, and watching funny movies with her two children.

Dakota started with The Jacob Group in January of 2016 as a Research Associate for the Market Intelligence Team. In his role, he manages several projects all relating to database excellence. From updating old contact information, sourcing new talent from miscellaneous sources online, and quality assurance of data accuracy; Dakota’s role is critical to our organization.

In his spare time Dakota enjoys spending time with his family, playing cards with friends, and playing tennis for multiple teams through the USTA.